M1 Centre Point closure worries boxing fraternity

The boxing fraternity has
bemoaned the closure of M1 Centre Point by Lilongwe City Council on Thursday.

The popular entertainment joint became a boxing haven because of the dilapidated condition of Lilongwe Community ground.

Makawa: The thing is government has neglected sports infrastructure

Promoters, boxing
authorities and boxers have reacted with disappointment to the news.

“Centre Point was just a
true partner of boxing. They did a lot not only to host boxing, but to promote
individual boxers through provision of resources,” said Patrick Ngwenyama of
Ngwenyama Boxing Promotions.

The City council cited
lack of compliance with the conditions set for the licence as the main reason
for closure.

The council’s conditions
were that M1 Centre Point, which operates within Area 36 residential area,
should stop outdoor performance by 10pm to reduce noise pollution.

Boxer Mussa Mkwanda said
he hopes the issue can be resolved quickly.

“They need to settle this
issue as soon as possible. Any delay will affect boxing negatively,” he said.

Liwonde-based boxer
Chikondi Makawa has faulted LCC for the closure.

“The problem is that
government has neglected sports infrastructure. M1 Centre Point has been
complementing government in the promotion of boxing. It’s unfair for the
council to close the facility. It’s high time government constructed a sports
complex as a venue for various sports,” he said.

Promoter Mike Chimalidza
of New Dawn Boxing Promotions said closure of places that are causing noise
pollution after 10pm is in order but to mention boxing as a cause of pollution
is not right.

“I don’t understand why
they are mentioning boxing events as being a nuisance. Boxing is done before
10pm. This is a big blow because M1 was enjoying better patronage than all
other venues I have organised boxing.

“It’s also cheaper than
the community ground where they demand 25 percent of gross yet boxing has small
patronage than football. So many promoters will be frustrated,” he said.

Malawi Professional
Boxing Control Board (MPBCB) president Lonzoe Zimba said he is yet to be
officially informed about the closure, but admitted that M1 Centre Point has
been the hub of boxing for both local and international flights.